Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1887-10-14
POULTRY RAISING.

FJhtiny Poultry Ecrmim IN Summer.
Frequently the most difficult work of the
poultry man is that of Kidding the premises
OF vermin. Most persons do not become
aware OF the presence of vermin until the
little red mites are seen in myriads. These
can easily be destroyed by using proper
methods. The great scourge of poultry is
not the mites, but the large body-louse that
hides at the base of the feathers, on the
head and neck. AS they are only found
there on the fowls, IN examination of the
quarters does not reveal them, when they
may be busily at work on the birds. Wher
the hens seem TO droop without apparent
cause, the chances are that close eNamina-
ton Gu their heads and necks will reveal
swarms of these lice. Little chicks, es-
pecially those that feather very rapidly,
! such as dorkins, games, and leghorns, will
soon succumb TO the large lice, and often
the cause will be ascribed to something
else.
TO prevent lice on fowls, the best thing
is the dust bath, which must consist OF
fine dry clay or coal ashes. If the quarters
are kept clean, the hens will prevent the
attacks Of lice by busting, but when once
the lice put in an appearance the poultry
man is compelled to take active measures,
as the lice must be fought until not single
one remains. Kerosene must not be used
on the bodies of the hens, as it will some-
times kill them. For the large body lice,
first grease the heals, necks, and vents
with mixture made by adding teaspoon
ful OF crude petroleum to every gill of
lard. Use it warm, SO it will spread we'll.
Then dust the hens we'll with California
or Persian Insect Powder. Repeat this
| every third day, and dust every portion of
the body; do not grease the body--only the
head, neck, and vent.
To clean the poultry house, every crack
and crevice must be reached. The roosts
| and nests should be movable and outside.
Sponge the roosts with kerosene, apply q
lighted match, and let the fire run over it.
Empty the nests (burn the debris). and
sponge them with kerosene, applying O
lighted match, the same as with the roosts.
Now thoroughly mix one quart OF kerosene
oil to four quarts of strong soap suds or
skim milk, churn them to an emulsion,
and sprinkle it, from watering can, over
every part of the house-hoor, wall, and
even the roof. Saturate them we'll, then
open the doors and allow the house to dry.
Next, thoroughly dust every part of the
house with a mixture of the following:
Fine dry lime, one peck; carbolate of
one pound. These materials should be
| fine and dry, and should be blown into
every crack and crevice. and not square
inch of space be overlooked. Put kero-
| sene on the roost-every part, and then re-
place them. Put fresh earth and clean
chopped hay in the nest boxes and set
them in position. Dust the nests quickly
with the powder suggested. and add a
quart of the powder to the dust bath.
Saturate the yards with solution of one
pint carbolic acid to ten gallons Of water.
and if necessary spade them. Before
cleaning the house remove the drcppings,
and as they will contain mites, pour the
soap-sud mixture over them, and apply
them on the field, at distance from the
house. The droppings are valuable as
manure.
All this care and preparation calls for
work, but it is absolutely necessary. And
it must be repeated until lice no longer
find it comfortable. Get rid of them, and
then keep them out. At this season the
greatest vigilance is necessary. Examine
the house as we'll rs the bodies of the hens,
at least once week, as there is no know
ing when lice may be present.-Americon
-igricHlturist.